Esther Webber
@estwebber.bsky.social
Senior correspondent, POLITICO
EXCL:
Final decision on restoring the Palace of Westminster will be delayed until 2030s
MPs were expected to vote by the end of 2025 on a way forward for fixing the crumbling parliament, but that now won't happen
Story w/@danbloom1.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
Final decision on restoring the Palace of Westminster will be delayed until 2030s
MPs were expected to vote by the end of 2025 on a way forward for fixing the crumbling parliament, but that now won't happen
Story w/@danbloom1.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
Final decision on fate of crumbling UK parliament delayed to 2030s
It’s a fire-hazard that’s prone to tumbling masonry — but fear of a public backlash is again delaying repairs to the world famous building.
www.politico.eu
November 15, 2025 at 12:36 PM
EXCL:
Final decision on restoring the Palace of Westminster will be delayed until 2030s
MPs were expected to vote by the end of 2025 on a way forward for fixing the crumbling parliament, but that now won't happen
Story w/@danbloom1.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
Final decision on restoring the Palace of Westminster will be delayed until 2030s
MPs were expected to vote by the end of 2025 on a way forward for fixing the crumbling parliament, but that now won't happen
Story w/@danbloom1.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
Reposted by Esther Webber
🚨🚨🚨 EXCLUSIVE by @estwebber.bsky.social and me
Final decision on restoration of parliament is set to be postponed **beyond the next general election**
MPs were due to vote this year on 4 options
Plan is now: pick 2 options, and start "preparatory work"
Final option may only emerge in early 2030s
Final decision on restoration of parliament is set to be postponed **beyond the next general election**
MPs were due to vote this year on 4 options
Plan is now: pick 2 options, and start "preparatory work"
Final option may only emerge in early 2030s
Final decision on fate of crumbling UK parliament delayed to 2030s
It’s a fire-hazard that’s prone to tumbling masonry — but fear of a public backlash is again delaying repairs to the world famous building.
www.politico.eu
November 15, 2025 at 12:23 PM
🚨🚨🚨 EXCLUSIVE by @estwebber.bsky.social and me
Final decision on restoration of parliament is set to be postponed **beyond the next general election**
MPs were due to vote this year on 4 options
Plan is now: pick 2 options, and start "preparatory work"
Final option may only emerge in early 2030s
Final decision on restoration of parliament is set to be postponed **beyond the next general election**
MPs were due to vote this year on 4 options
Plan is now: pick 2 options, and start "preparatory work"
Final option may only emerge in early 2030s
EXCL:
MPs urging Yvette Cooper to use the G7 to ramp up pressure for a breakthrough in Sudan, warning that "global attention has drifted away"
Labour MP David Taylor: the UK “has a moral duty to redouble its diplomatic efforts and push for a lasting resolution"
www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
MPs urging Yvette Cooper to use the G7 to ramp up pressure for a breakthrough in Sudan, warning that "global attention has drifted away"
Labour MP David Taylor: the UK “has a moral duty to redouble its diplomatic efforts and push for a lasting resolution"
www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
UK government under pressure to stop Sudan bloodshed
Britain is officially responsible for the Sudan portfolio at the U.N. Security Council.
www.politico.eu
November 12, 2025 at 11:19 AM
EXCL:
MPs urging Yvette Cooper to use the G7 to ramp up pressure for a breakthrough in Sudan, warning that "global attention has drifted away"
Labour MP David Taylor: the UK “has a moral duty to redouble its diplomatic efforts and push for a lasting resolution"
www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
MPs urging Yvette Cooper to use the G7 to ramp up pressure for a breakthrough in Sudan, warning that "global attention has drifted away"
Labour MP David Taylor: the UK “has a moral duty to redouble its diplomatic efforts and push for a lasting resolution"
www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
Defence ministers went to the Arctic this week to war game what would happen if Russia seeds disorder on their doorstep.
“Russia is living in the Arctic. We need to step up on the European side to learn to live in the ice-covered polar sea.”
My piece from Bodø: www.politico.eu/article/brit...
“Russia is living in the Arctic. We need to step up on the European side to learn to live in the ice-covered polar sea.”
My piece from Bodø: www.politico.eu/article/brit...
Deep inside a mountain, Britain prepares for Russian onslaught
British military planners travelled to Bodø, nestled between the sea and snow-capped peaks of the Arctic Circle, to war-game out the response to Russian threats.
www.politico.eu
November 7, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Defence ministers went to the Arctic this week to war game what would happen if Russia seeds disorder on their doorstep.
“Russia is living in the Arctic. We need to step up on the European side to learn to live in the ice-covered polar sea.”
My piece from Bodø: www.politico.eu/article/brit...
“Russia is living in the Arctic. We need to step up on the European side to learn to live in the ice-covered polar sea.”
My piece from Bodø: www.politico.eu/article/brit...
EXCL:
Two alleged members of the Sudanese paramilitary group RSF were invited to speak at a Labour conference fringe event.
RSF is accused of crimes against humanity including the rape and murder of civilians
www.politico.eu/article/suda...
Two alleged members of the Sudanese paramilitary group RSF were invited to speak at a Labour conference fringe event.
RSF is accused of crimes against humanity including the rape and murder of civilians
www.politico.eu/article/suda...
Sudanese ‘militiamen’ invited to Labour Party conference event
Event was arranged by organization run by Labour councillor known in Westminster for running the British Kebab Awards.
www.politico.eu
September 25, 2025 at 4:54 PM
EXCL:
Two alleged members of the Sudanese paramilitary group RSF were invited to speak at a Labour conference fringe event.
RSF is accused of crimes against humanity including the rape and murder of civilians
www.politico.eu/article/suda...
Two alleged members of the Sudanese paramilitary group RSF were invited to speak at a Labour conference fringe event.
RSF is accused of crimes against humanity including the rape and murder of civilians
www.politico.eu/article/suda...
👑🇺🇦 Ukraine’s best hope for influencing Trump? King Charles.
The King is “very close” to detail of Ukraine negotiations and to Zelenskyy himself.
While he won't speak publicly about matters of government, he is “adept at finding other ways of showing his views.”
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
The King is “very close” to detail of Ukraine negotiations and to Zelenskyy himself.
While he won't speak publicly about matters of government, he is “adept at finding other ways of showing his views.”
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Ukraine’s best hope for influencing Trump? King Charles.
The U.S. president will be lauded with the finest pomp and pageantry Britain has to offer.
www.politico.eu
September 17, 2025 at 9:59 AM
👑🇺🇦 Ukraine’s best hope for influencing Trump? King Charles.
The King is “very close” to detail of Ukraine negotiations and to Zelenskyy himself.
While he won't speak publicly about matters of government, he is “adept at finding other ways of showing his views.”
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
The King is “very close” to detail of Ukraine negotiations and to Zelenskyy himself.
While he won't speak publicly about matters of government, he is “adept at finding other ways of showing his views.”
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
NEW: Full story of extraordinary Mandelson affair and what next
— Trump upset by handling and that Starmer didn't tell him personally
— Edgy about state visit being overshadowed
— Pushing for a replacement to happen before state visit
w/@samblewett.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/how-...
— Trump upset by handling and that Starmer didn't tell him personally
— Edgy about state visit being overshadowed
— Pushing for a replacement to happen before state visit
w/@samblewett.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/how-...
How the Epstein scandal claimed Britain’s ‘Prince of Darkness’
Peter Mandelson’s sacking shocked London and Washington just days before a high-stakes state visit.
www.politico.eu
September 12, 2025 at 8:51 AM
NEW: Full story of extraordinary Mandelson affair and what next
— Trump upset by handling and that Starmer didn't tell him personally
— Edgy about state visit being overshadowed
— Pushing for a replacement to happen before state visit
w/@samblewett.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/how-...
— Trump upset by handling and that Starmer didn't tell him personally
— Edgy about state visit being overshadowed
— Pushing for a replacement to happen before state visit
w/@samblewett.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/how-...
NEW: Keir Starmer keen to big up tackling illegal migration when he meets Friedrich Merz, but the steps announced today are limited.
Both men facing domestic pressure on migration but less clear how they can help each other compared with France.
w/Nette Noestlinger www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Both men facing domestic pressure on migration but less clear how they can help each other compared with France.
w/Nette Noestlinger www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Starmer and Merz find their happy place: War
Germany’s leader will use a London visit Thursday to finalize a wide-ranging pact that goes big on security cooperation.
www.politico.eu
July 17, 2025 at 9:02 AM
NEW: Keir Starmer keen to big up tackling illegal migration when he meets Friedrich Merz, but the steps announced today are limited.
Both men facing domestic pressure on migration but less clear how they can help each other compared with France.
w/Nette Noestlinger www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Both men facing domestic pressure on migration but less clear how they can help each other compared with France.
w/Nette Noestlinger www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Starmer and Macron going big on defence today, but are they papering over the cracks?
— differing approaches to Trump
— France reluctant for UK access to EU fund
— coalition of the willing at an impasse
www.politico.eu/article/emma...
— differing approaches to Trump
— France reluctant for UK access to EU fund
— coalition of the willing at an impasse
www.politico.eu/article/emma...
Macron pitches Starmer on new special relationship as leaders strike defense deals
The countries have dubbed their defense refresh an “entente industrielle.”
www.politico.eu
July 10, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Starmer and Macron going big on defence today, but are they papering over the cracks?
— differing approaches to Trump
— France reluctant for UK access to EU fund
— coalition of the willing at an impasse
www.politico.eu/article/emma...
— differing approaches to Trump
— France reluctant for UK access to EU fund
— coalition of the willing at an impasse
www.politico.eu/article/emma...
State Visit time!
While it's all about amity, the King's words will be watched for hints about where the allies have further to go.
“Look at what the king has done on Canada and on Ukraine without saying a word” said one ex-diplomat.
w/@cleacaulcutt.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/keir...
While it's all about amity, the King's words will be watched for hints about where the allies have further to go.
“Look at what the king has done on Canada and on Ukraine without saying a word” said one ex-diplomat.
w/@cleacaulcutt.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Move over Starmer: It’s the King Charles and Macron show
The British monarch prepares to roll out the red carpet for France’s president — and offer some welcome relief from strife back home.
www.politico.eu
July 8, 2025 at 1:23 PM
State Visit time!
While it's all about amity, the King's words will be watched for hints about where the allies have further to go.
“Look at what the king has done on Canada and on Ukraine without saying a word” said one ex-diplomat.
w/@cleacaulcutt.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/keir...
While it's all about amity, the King's words will be watched for hints about where the allies have further to go.
“Look at what the king has done on Canada and on Ukraine without saying a word” said one ex-diplomat.
w/@cleacaulcutt.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/keir...
EXC: Alan Turing Institute ordered to drop health and climate research and focus on defence
In a letter to its director Science Sec Peter Kyle says it needs a complete overhaul to “strengthen government’s confidence in the institute”
w/Joe Bambridge, Tom Bristow www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
In a letter to its director Science Sec Peter Kyle says it needs a complete overhaul to “strengthen government’s confidence in the institute”
w/Joe Bambridge, Tom Bristow www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
UK government demands overhaul at under-fire AI institute
The Alan Turing Institute has been criticized for failing to anticipate major changes to the AI landscape.
www.politico.eu
July 4, 2025 at 12:18 PM
EXC: Alan Turing Institute ordered to drop health and climate research and focus on defence
In a letter to its director Science Sec Peter Kyle says it needs a complete overhaul to “strengthen government’s confidence in the institute”
w/Joe Bambridge, Tom Bristow www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
In a letter to its director Science Sec Peter Kyle says it needs a complete overhaul to “strengthen government’s confidence in the institute”
w/Joe Bambridge, Tom Bristow www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
EXC:
Britain and Germany are preparing to sign a treaty covering defence, travel and illegal migration.
It features a mutual assistance clause in the case of a threat to either nation.
w/Chris Lunday, Nette Nostlinger www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
Britain and Germany are preparing to sign a treaty covering defence, travel and illegal migration.
It features a mutual assistance clause in the case of a threat to either nation.
w/Chris Lunday, Nette Nostlinger www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
UK and Germany prepare to sign wide-ranging mutual defense treaty
Under the pact, any strategic threat to one country would represent a threat to the other.
www.politico.eu
July 2, 2025 at 8:03 AM
EXC:
Britain and Germany are preparing to sign a treaty covering defence, travel and illegal migration.
It features a mutual assistance clause in the case of a threat to either nation.
w/Chris Lunday, Nette Nostlinger www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
Britain and Germany are preparing to sign a treaty covering defence, travel and illegal migration.
It features a mutual assistance clause in the case of a threat to either nation.
w/Chris Lunday, Nette Nostlinger www.politico.eu/article/uk-g...
🪖 Keir Starmer's discomfort last week - trumpeting defence spending at NATO as welfare rebellion brewed - is only going to get worse.
Defence is Labour's top priority, says a Cabinet minister, and “people will need to get used to it”
www.politico.eu/article/labo...
Defence is Labour's top priority, says a Cabinet minister, and “people will need to get used to it”
www.politico.eu/article/labo...
How war ate Keir Starmer’s agenda
Hiking Britain’s military spending keeps Trump sweet and could counter domestic rivals — but it’s raising questions about Labour’s priorities.
www.politico.eu
June 30, 2025 at 9:54 AM
🪖 Keir Starmer's discomfort last week - trumpeting defence spending at NATO as welfare rebellion brewed - is only going to get worse.
Defence is Labour's top priority, says a Cabinet minister, and “people will need to get used to it”
www.politico.eu/article/labo...
Defence is Labour's top priority, says a Cabinet minister, and “people will need to get used to it”
www.politico.eu/article/labo...
Reposted by Esther Webber
Pledging to spend 5 percent of GDP on defense may have been the easy part for NATO allies.
Now European leaders face a tougher test — selling this at home, figuring out how to spend the money, and preparing for potential U.S. troop reductions.
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Now European leaders face a tougher test — selling this at home, figuring out how to spend the money, and preparing for potential U.S. troop reductions.
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Europe managed to keep Trump in NATO. Now what?
National leaders now need to find the money and buy weapons to deter Russia while facing a potential reduction of U.S. troops on the continent.
www.politico.eu
June 26, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Pledging to spend 5 percent of GDP on defense may have been the easy part for NATO allies.
Now European leaders face a tougher test — selling this at home, figuring out how to spend the money, and preparing for potential U.S. troop reductions.
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Now European leaders face a tougher test — selling this at home, figuring out how to spend the money, and preparing for potential U.S. troop reductions.
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Reposted by Esther Webber
When you drive into Clackmannanshire, the sign says "CLACKMANNANSHIRE - more than you imagine" and I think that raises all sorts of questions.
April 30, 2025 at 3:20 PM
When you drive into Clackmannanshire, the sign says "CLACKMANNANSHIRE - more than you imagine" and I think that raises all sorts of questions.
Wrote something on tension in Labour between town vs city MPs - and how the welfare vote could make it worse.
“A London MP [is] not going to be cheering on what’s happened with defence spending and foreign aid, but in my constituency it’s been very well received.”
www.politico.eu/article/uk-l...
“A London MP [is] not going to be cheering on what’s happened with defence spending and foreign aid, but in my constituency it’s been very well received.”
www.politico.eu/article/uk-l...
Keir Starmer’s massive majority brings problems of its own
Labour seems unified in public, but a division is emerging between MPs representing what they see as its core voters, and those from towns the party is newly courting.
www.politico.eu
April 15, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Wrote something on tension in Labour between town vs city MPs - and how the welfare vote could make it worse.
“A London MP [is] not going to be cheering on what’s happened with defence spending and foreign aid, but in my constituency it’s been very well received.”
www.politico.eu/article/uk-l...
“A London MP [is] not going to be cheering on what’s happened with defence spending and foreign aid, but in my constituency it’s been very well received.”
www.politico.eu/article/uk-l...
While Starmer and Reeves remain close, there are signs of No.10 asserting independence.
The PM insisted on defense uplift taking place more quickly than Reeves wanted, per sources.
No.10 is also finally recruiting an economic adviser.
with @danbloom1.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/keir...
The PM insisted on defense uplift taking place more quickly than Reeves wanted, per sources.
No.10 is also finally recruiting an economic adviser.
with @danbloom1.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/keir...
The Starmer and Reeves double act is about to be tested
A strong, if shallow, partnership at the top has defined Labour in office. Can it hold when the going gets tough?
www.politico.eu
March 27, 2025 at 9:42 AM
While Starmer and Reeves remain close, there are signs of No.10 asserting independence.
The PM insisted on defense uplift taking place more quickly than Reeves wanted, per sources.
No.10 is also finally recruiting an economic adviser.
with @danbloom1.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/keir...
The PM insisted on defense uplift taking place more quickly than Reeves wanted, per sources.
No.10 is also finally recruiting an economic adviser.
with @danbloom1.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/keir...
This would once have fed Twitter for a whole week
March 20, 2025 at 4:04 PM
This would once have fed Twitter for a whole week
EXC: Commons Leader Lucy Powell says “we cannot have” a situation where MPs who can't sit for long hours due to disabilities are excluded
It comes after Labour's Naz Shah was forced to leave the assisted dying bill committee early to recharge her hearing aids
www.politico.eu/article/mini...
It comes after Labour's Naz Shah was forced to leave the assisted dying bill committee early to recharge her hearing aids
www.politico.eu/article/mini...
UK minister warns against exclusion of disabled MPs
Commons leader Lucy Powell tells POLITICO a new review will consider whether long hours are excluding MPs with disabilities and impairments.
www.politico.eu
March 20, 2025 at 10:49 AM
EXC: Commons Leader Lucy Powell says “we cannot have” a situation where MPs who can't sit for long hours due to disabilities are excluded
It comes after Labour's Naz Shah was forced to leave the assisted dying bill committee early to recharge her hearing aids
www.politico.eu/article/mini...
It comes after Labour's Naz Shah was forced to leave the assisted dying bill committee early to recharge her hearing aids
www.politico.eu/article/mini...
The govt could make a start by addressing how hilariously inaccessible the whole disability benefits system is - reliant on forms you can only fill out by hand (!) and helplines which need use of keypad/voice commands
March 18, 2025 at 9:59 AM
The govt could make a start by addressing how hilariously inaccessible the whole disability benefits system is - reliant on forms you can only fill out by hand (!) and helplines which need use of keypad/voice commands
Starmer's national security adviser Jonathan Powell has emerged as a key figure in Ukraine negotiations.
The ceasefire plan for Ukraine bears the hallmarks of his experience in Northern Ireland.
"His preparedness to build relationships with former enemies was vital"
www.politico.eu/article/jona...
The ceasefire plan for Ukraine bears the hallmarks of his experience in Northern Ireland.
"His preparedness to build relationships with former enemies was vital"
www.politico.eu/article/jona...
Tony Blair’s right-hand man goes into battle for Ukraine
Jonathan Powell played a crucial role in securing peace in Northern Ireland — and his much-hyped skills as a negotiator are being put to the test again.
www.politico.eu
March 14, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Starmer's national security adviser Jonathan Powell has emerged as a key figure in Ukraine negotiations.
The ceasefire plan for Ukraine bears the hallmarks of his experience in Northern Ireland.
"His preparedness to build relationships with former enemies was vital"
www.politico.eu/article/jona...
The ceasefire plan for Ukraine bears the hallmarks of his experience in Northern Ireland.
"His preparedness to build relationships with former enemies was vital"
www.politico.eu/article/jona...
💥 "Not why I joined Labour"
💥 "Self-defeating"
💥 "Hypocrisy"
💥 "What’s the point of being an MP if we can’t end injustices like this?”
What MPs are saying about Keir Starmer's planned cuts to welfare, by Annabelle Dickson, @danbloom1.bsky.social and me www.politico.eu/article/keir...
💥 "Self-defeating"
💥 "Hypocrisy"
💥 "What’s the point of being an MP if we can’t end injustices like this?”
What MPs are saying about Keir Starmer's planned cuts to welfare, by Annabelle Dickson, @danbloom1.bsky.social and me www.politico.eu/article/keir...
‘Not why I joined Labour’: Keir Starmer’s MPs agonize about welfare cuts
A minority of MPs in the ruling Labour Party are feeling mutinous — but there’s a sharp divide among its newest members.
www.politico.eu
March 12, 2025 at 9:52 AM
💥 "Not why I joined Labour"
💥 "Self-defeating"
💥 "Hypocrisy"
💥 "What’s the point of being an MP if we can’t end injustices like this?”
What MPs are saying about Keir Starmer's planned cuts to welfare, by Annabelle Dickson, @danbloom1.bsky.social and me www.politico.eu/article/keir...
💥 "Self-defeating"
💥 "Hypocrisy"
💥 "What’s the point of being an MP if we can’t end injustices like this?”
What MPs are saying about Keir Starmer's planned cuts to welfare, by Annabelle Dickson, @danbloom1.bsky.social and me www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Reposted by Esther Webber
Bit of a marmalade dropper this morning from @estwebber.bsky.social
March 5, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Bit of a marmalade dropper this morning from @estwebber.bsky.social
Committee stage on the hereditary peerages bill began with a classic
March 4, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Committee stage on the hereditary peerages bill began with a classic
How Donald Trump rebooted Keir Starmer
Since Trump turned his back on Ukraine, Starmer has played an increasingly assured role. Labour insiders and European allies saying his moment has arrived.
“All of a sudden, there is a reason. There is a galvanizing purpose.”
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Since Trump turned his back on Ukraine, Starmer has played an increasingly assured role. Labour insiders and European allies saying his moment has arrived.
“All of a sudden, there is a reason. There is a galvanizing purpose.”
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Keir Starmer, unlikely leader of the free world
The British prime minister has had a shaky start at home — but is winning grudging praise for his response to Trump’s Ukraine pivot.
www.politico.eu
March 4, 2025 at 9:09 AM
How Donald Trump rebooted Keir Starmer
Since Trump turned his back on Ukraine, Starmer has played an increasingly assured role. Labour insiders and European allies saying his moment has arrived.
“All of a sudden, there is a reason. There is a galvanizing purpose.”
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Since Trump turned his back on Ukraine, Starmer has played an increasingly assured role. Labour insiders and European allies saying his moment has arrived.
“All of a sudden, there is a reason. There is a galvanizing purpose.”
www.politico.eu/article/keir...